ARTBA Pushes Full Funding for Water Infrastructure Projects

ARTBA, as part of a group of almost 300 organizations, urged Congress October 1 to support full use of Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) revenues to achieve the funding targets established by the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA). Specifically, the groups’ letter noted “Full use of HMT is urgently needed for safe and efficient freight transportation…Congress, through WRRDA 2014, committed to achieve full use of HMT…it is vitally important that this commitment be met.” The coalition letter urges Congress to address water infrastructure funding during the appropriations process when it reconvenes after the November elections. However, it remains unclear whether Congress will pass appropriations bills to fully fund the government through 2015, or enact a shorter term measure when it returns. Read the group letter.